St Robert's Cave

Address

Abbey Road Knaresborough NORTH YORKSHIRE HG5 8HX

The remains of St Robert’s Cave and chapel are a rare example of a medieval hermitage, cut out of magnesium limestone bedrock & consists of the Cave, a domestic area and a small chapel which contains the grave and altar platform.

St Robert of Knaresborough was born Robert Flower in York to a wealthy family.  From childhood however he was intent on pursuing a religious vocation, beginning as a novice Cistercian Monk in Northumberland and later at Fountains Abbey.

He quickly decided this life did not suit him and soon joined a hermit who lived in Knaresborough and he began to wander the area. Whenever he settled in one area he began to attract followers, many of them poor, sick or spiritually in need. His reputation as a Holy Man grew, but his lifestyle and followers earned the anger of the authorities in the area.

Homeless, he returned to to the Hermit’s cave beside the River Nidd in Knaresborough where he gained more followers. Eventually , giving in to public opinion the Constable of Knaresborough Castle granted him a piece of land and he lived in the Cave for the rest of his life, with a Chapel dedicated to the Holy Rood being built by his brother nearby.

Miraculous cures became attributed to him & he became the friend of the poor , prisoners and pilgrims who flocked to visit his humble Cave.

He died on 24th September 1208, initially being buried in the Chapel but later his body was moved to a  Priory in Abbey Road that had been built because of his fame. In 1252 though never officially canonized  Robert was recognised as a Saint by Rome.

Read more

Behind the scenes of  Things To Do

Walking in the great outdoors
Stay Active
13th Aug 2021
Walking in the great outdoors icon

Walking in the great outdoors

From the gentle walking trails around our market towns to the impressive 49 miles of the Ripon Rowels walk...

Further curiosities from the museum
Attractions
27th May 2020
Further curiosities from the museum icon

Further curiosities from the museum

It always brings great excitement and even after 11 years there are still always new surprises for me, with...

Cocktail recipes
Food & Drink Producers
9th Apr 2020
Cocktail recipes icon

Cocktail recipes

Put your time at home to good use by practicing your mixology skills! Try these two easy and delicious...

Loading...

Loading entries...

More  Things To Do businesses

Harewood House
Things To Do

Harewood House

Valley Gardens, Harrogate
Things To Do

Valley Gardens, Harrogate

Bebra Gardens, Knaresborough
Things To Do

Bebra Gardens, Knaresborough

Ripon Workhouse & Garden...
Things To Do

Ripon Workhouse & Garden...

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours...
Things To Do

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours...

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours
Things To Do

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours

Markenfield Hall
Things To Do

Markenfield Hall

Farm Adventure
Things To Do

Farm Adventure

Beningbrough - National Trust
Things To Do

Beningbrough - National Trust

Loading...

Loading entries...